Mean Acromiohumeral Distance Research Articles

Clinical Outcome of Arthroscopic Partial Repair of Large to Massive Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears: Medialization of the Attachment Site of the Rotator Cuff Tendon.

BackgroudThe goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic partial repair with medialization of the attachment site of the rotator cuff tendon and to identify prognostic factors affecting rotator cuff healing in patients with irreparable large to massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears.MethodsBetween July 2012 and March 2016, 42 patients with irreparable large to massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears underwent an arthroscopic partial repair with medialization of the attachment site of the rotator cuff tendon. All patients had a minimum of 2-year follow-up (mean, 35.4 ± 7.3 months). Clinical evaluation was performed using the visual analog scale, the University of California, Los Angeles shoulder rating scale, Constant score, and active range of motion. Radiological evaluation was performed using magnetic resonance imaging and simple radiography.ResultsClinical outcomes at the final follow-up improved significantly compared with the preoperative values (all p < 0.001). The failure rate was 23.8% (10/42); however, clinical outcomes significantly improved regardless of cuff healing (all p < 0.001). The mean acromiohumeral distance was 6.5 ± 1.7 mm (range, 3.2–9.7 mm) before surgery and 6.3 ± 1.6 mm (range, 2.8–9.5 mm) at the final follow-up. Preoperative acromiohumeral distance was associated with failure of cuff healing in the univariate analysis (p = 0.043) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.048). A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the predictive cutoff value for the smallest preoperative acromiohumeral distance for successful healing, which was calculated as 5.3 mm.ConclusionsDespite healing failure, arthroscopic partial repair with medialization can be a possible treatment option for irreparable large to massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears because of the improvement in clinical outcome. The shorter preoperative acromiohumeral distance was the single most important factor negatively affecting cuff healing, and the likelihood of success of healing might be improved if a repair is performed when the preoperative acromiohumeral distance is < 5.3 mm.

Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tear: How do I address

Despite advances in arthroscopic techniques and devices, symptomatic massive contracted rotator cuff tear is still a challenging to most shoulder surgeons. This rotator cuff tissue has all of the f...

Gender and laterality differences on measurements of acromiohumeral distance (AHD) at rest and at shoulder abduction using musculoskeletal ultrasound in asymptomatic Filipino adults

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is increasingly becoming a popular tool in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders with the shoulder as one of the most routinely scanned joints. Common causes of shoulder pain, such as subacromial impingement syndrome and rotator cuff tendinopathy, have been shown to be associated with reduced acromiohumeral distance. This study aimed to determine mean ultrasonographic acromiohumeral distance and compare measurements between male and female Filipino adults, dominant and non-dominant side, at neutral shoulder position and at 60° abduction. Secondarily, it aimed to determine interrater reliabiliy of ultrasonographic measurements. This study employed a cross-sectional observational study design. AHD was measured on both shoulders of forty-one volunteers, 15 males and 26 females with mean age 22.1 and 22.3 respectively, at neutral shoulder position and at 60° of passive abduction by two different raters. For the dominant side, mean AHD at neutral was 11.40 mm (SD 1.16 mm) for males and 10.65 mm (SD 1.22 mm) for females ( P -value < 0.05). At 60° passive abduction, AHD decreased to 9.96 mm (SD 1.10 mm) for males and 9.49 mm (SD 1.43 mm) for females. For the non-dominant side, the mean AHD at neutral was 11.15 mm (SD 1.13 mm) for males and 10.70 mm (1.20 mm) for females. At 60° abduction, mean AHD was 9.86 mm (1.13 mm) for males and 9.36 mm (1.54 mm) for females ( P -value > 0.05). Comparison of the dominant and non-dominant sides showed no significant difference at both shoulder positions. ICC values for the all the measurements ranged from 0.848 to 0.913. Results of this study suggest that measurement of AHD may have gender differences, but is similar between the dominant and non-dominant side. Musculoskeletal ultrasound was found to have excellent interrater reliability to measure AHD at both neutral position and at 60° of passive abduction.

Association Between Subacromial Impingement and Acromiohumeral Distance on MRI

Background: We use MRI to determine the mean acromiohumeral distance (AHD) in subacromial impingement (SI) and to identify which part of the subacromial space has the strongest effect on impingement. Objectives: To assess the association between AHD and SI and to determine which subacromial site most strongly correlates with impingement. Patients and Methods: The patient population was composed of 56 (70%) men and 24 (30%) women; 45 patients had SI and 35 did not. We measured the shortest distance from the outer margin of the inferior cortex of the acromion to the upper cortex of the humeral head at a total of six points. The mean AHD at each location was compared between patients with and without SI using Mann-Whitney tests. To define the optimal cutoff value at each location for the diagnosis of SI, we applied a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and maximum Youden index. Results: Mean AHDs in patients with SI were smaller than those of normal patients. Differences in the length of the lateral and central portions were statistically significant (P < 0.05). A 7.9-mm cutoff value at the lateral anterior portion showed 96% sensitivity and 43% specificity for SI. Cutoff values of 7.8 mm (reader 1, senior radiologist) and 7.5 mm (reader 2, junior radiologist) at the lateral posterior portion showed 89% and 78% sensitivity and 46% and 57% specificity, respectively. Conclusion: Patients with SI had narrower AHDs than patients without impingement, and specifically, the lateral and central portions of the acromion played an important role in the development of SI.

Do subscapularis tears really result in superior humeral migration?

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyse the effect of subscapularis tear on superior humeral excursion (SHE) and acromiohumeral distance (AHD). The hypothesis was that subscapularis tears do not result in superior humeral excursion. MethodsPatients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy between August of 2011 and 2015 were reevaluated. Those with isolated Bankart lesion were used as control group and included in the Group 1, isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tear in the Group 2, isolated subscapularis tear in the Group 3, and combined subscapularis and supraspinatus tear in the Group 4. The mean SHE and AHD measurements on magnetic resonance imaging of these groups were compared to reveal any difference in superior humeral migration (SHM). ResultsThere were 30 patients in each group. The mean age of Group 1 (26.44 ± 8.34) was younger than the other 3 groups. The mean AHD and SHE were higher in Group 1 and 3 (Mean AHD: 12.89 ± 2.24 and 12.28 ± 1.9, respectively. Mean SHE: −3.2 ± 0.99 and −2.78 ± 0.64, respectively) than Group 2 and 4 (Mean AHD: 6.2 ± 1.78 and 6.16 ± 1.52, respectively. Mean SHE: 0.72 ± 0.65 and 1.24 ± 0.63, respectively). The AHD and SHE were strongly correlated with each other (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.184). The inter-observer and intra-observer correlation of the measurements of SHE on MRI were excellent with intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.95 and 0.94, respectively. ConclusionSubscapularis tears do not lead to SHM and subacromial impingement. However, superior rotator cuff tears can still lead to SHM and subacromial impingement even when subscapularis tendon is intact. Level of evidenceLevel III, diagnostic study.

Arthroscopic lattisimus dorsi transfer with rotator cuff repair for posterosuperior irreparable massive rotator cuff tear

Objective To discuss the effect of arthroscopic latissimus dorsi transfer with rotator cuff repair for posterosu-perior irreparable massive rotator cuff tear (iMRCT). Methods From September 2014 to December 2015, data of 13 iMRCT including 4 male and 9 female who underwent arthroscopic latissimus dorsi transfer with rotator cuff repair were retrospectively analyzed. The age was ranged from 54 to 65, with a mean age of 58.5±4.3. The mean duration of symptom was 2.1±0.6 years. During operation, complete or partial rotator cuff repair was performed, followed by complete repair of injured subscapularis tendon and tenotomy or tenodesis of the long head of biceps tendon. An arc incision was then made in the axillary fossa to harvest latissimus dorsi tendon from its humeral insertion. The tendon was then introduced into subacromial space and fixed at the footprint of greater tuberosity arthroscopically. X-ray and MRI were conducted prior to and one day after the surgery and at the last follow-up. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) and active range of motion in all planes as well as Constant-Murley score and Fudan University shoulder score (FUSS) were documented before the surgery and at the last follow-up. Results All 13 patients accomplished the follow-up, with a duration from 17 to 22 months and a mean period of 19.6±0.9 months. No complications occurred. No re-tear was identified. The mean acromiohumeral distance increased from 5.4±1.1 mm to 7.0±0.6 mm. The mean VAS decreased from 4.8±1.3 to 0.5±0.7. The mean 0° abduction external rotation, 90° abduction external rotation, flexion, as well as abduction increased from 17.3°±10.5°, 12.4°±7.8°, 89.2°±41.2°, 87.3°±40.7° to 41.2°±12.5°, 56.5°±16.6°, 120.5°±25.1°, and 113.5°±25.4° respectively. Constant-Murley score and FUSS increased from 33.5±9.9 and 50.9±7.6 to 62.8±8.1, and 81.7±7.0, respectively. The improvement in all measurements was significant. Conclusion For posterosuperior iMRCT, arthroscopic latissimus dorsi transfer with rotator cuff repair can decrease shoulder pain and improve shoulder function. Key words: Shoulder joint; Arthroscopy; Soft tissue injuries

Arthroscopic Subacromial Spacer Implantation in Patients With Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Clinical and Radiographic Results of 39 Retrospectives Cases

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of a biodegradable subacromial spacer in the treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. Between January 2011 and December 2014, all shoulders with symptomatic massive irreparable rotator cuff tears treated at our institution with arthroscopic implantation of a biodegradable subacromial spacer followed for at least 1year were included in our series. Patients with osteoarthritis ≥ grade 3 in the Hamada classification were excluded. Outcome measures included pre- and postoperative, range of motion, Constant score, acromiohumeral distance, and Hamada classification on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Thirty-nine consecutive shoulders (37 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 69.8 (53-84) years. At the last follow-up (mean 32.8 ± 12.4months), range of motion was significantly increased for all patients in anterior elevation (from 130° to 160°, P= .02), abduction (from 100° to 160°, P= .01), and external rotation (from 30° to 45°, P=.0001). The mean Constant score was also significantly (P < .001) improved from 44.8 (±15.2) preoperatively to 76.0 (±17.1) at the last follow-up. The mean acromiohumeral distance significantly (P= .002) decreased from 8.2mm (±3.4) to 6.2mm (±3.1) at the last follow-up. The Hamada score progressed of 1 radiographic stage in 4 shoulders (15%) and progressed of 3 stages in 2 (4%), whereas the other 32 shoulders remained stable. No intra- or postoperative complications were found except for 1 patient who required a revision for spacer migration. Arthroscopic implantation of a subacromial spacer for irreparable rotator cuff tear leads to significant improvement in shoulder function at a minimum of 1year postoperatively. Level IV, therapeutic case series; treatment study.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer for Massive, Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Technique and Short-Term Follow-Up of Patients With Pseudoparalysis

To describe a modified technique for arthroscopic-assisted transfer of the latissimus dorsi tendon in a selected group of patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears and pseudoparalysis and to evaluate its short-term results. Fifteen patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears and pseudoparalysis treated by arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer were included. The mean patient age was 61.53 ± 6.24years (range, 52-71years). Patients were assessed with physical examination, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Score and Constant-Murley score, as well as visual analog scale score at a mean follow-up of 26.4 ± 2.58months (range, 24-31months). At final follow-up, mean UCLA score increased to 27.47 ± 6.31 compared with the preoperative UCLA score of 6.53 ± 2.1 (P < .001). Constant-Murley score was 21 ± 7.41 and 59.73 ± 13.62 (P < .001), visual analog scale pain score was 7.47 ± 1.06 and 2.47 ± 0.91 (P < .001), active forward flexion was 58° ± 21.11° and 130° ± 30.05° (P < .001), active abduction was 51° ± 21.64° and 129.67° ± 25.45° (P < .001), and active external rotation was 13.33° ± 21.68° and 32° ± 18.03° (P < .001) preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. Mean acromiohumeral distance was 3.13 ± 1.40mm preoperatively, whereas it was 5.67 ± 1.67mm postoperatively (P < .001). No significant complications requiring a revision surgery was observed during the final follow-up. The modified technique of arthroscopic-assisted transfer of the latissimus dorsi tendon is a feasible, minimally invasive option for the surgical treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears in a subset of patients with pseudoparalysis. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Effects of Rotator Cuff Pathology and Physical Therapy on In Vivo Shoulder Motion and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With a Symptomatic Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear.

Background:Physical therapy (PT) is often prescribed for patients with rotator cuff tears. The extent to which PT influences strength, range of motion (ROM), and patient-reported outcomes has been studied extensively, but the effect of PT on in vivo joint kinematics is not well understood.Purpose:To assess the influence of symptomatic rotator cuff pathology and the effects of PT on shoulder motion, strength, and patient-reported outcomes.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Twenty-five patients with a symptomatic rotator cuff tear and 25 age-matched asymptomatic control subjects were recruited. Shoulder motion was measured using a biplane radiography imaging system, strength was assessed with a Biodex dynamometer, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores. Data were acquired from the patients before and after 8 weeks of physical therapy. Data were acquired at 1 time point for the control subjects.Results:Compared with the control subjects, patients with a symptomatic rotator cuff tear had significantly worse pain/function scores (P < .01); less ROM (P < .01); lower abduction (ABD), external rotation (ER), and internal rotation (IR) strength (P < .01); less scapulothoracic posterior tilt (P = .05); and lower glenohumeral joint elevation (P < .01). Physical therapy resulted in improved pain/function scores (P < .01), increased ROM (P < .02), increased scapulothoracic posterior tilt (P = .05), increased glenohumeral joint elevation (P = .01), and decreased acromiohumeral distance (AHD) (P = .02).Conclusion:Compared with age-matched controls, patients had worse pain/function scores, less ROM, and lower ABD, ER, and IR strength. Patients also had less scapulothoracic anteroposterior tilt, less glenohumeral joint elevation, and an altered glenohumeral joint contact path. PT resulted in improved pain/function scores, increased ROM, greater posterior scapulothoracic tilt, increased glenohumeral joint elevation, an increased range of superoinferior joint contact, and a lower mean AHD. Of these differences, PT only returned scapulothoracic tilt to control levels.Clinical Relevance:This study documents the effects of PT on shoulder motion and conventional clinical outcomes. It is expected that understanding how changes in joint motion are associated with conventional clinical outcomes will lead to improved nonoperative interventions for patients with rotator cuff tears.

Is coracoacromial arch angle a predisposing factor for rotator cuff tears?

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether coracoacromial arch angle is a predisposing factor for rotator cuff tears. Shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of 40 patients having shoulder arthroscopy due to rotator cuff tears and 28 patients with normal MRI findings were evaluated retrospectively. Acromio-humeral distance, coraco-humeral distance, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the coracoacromial ligament and longitudinal axis of the acromion (coracoacromial arch angle), and thickness of the coracoacromial ligament were measured. In patients with rotator cuff pathology the mean coraco-humeral distance was 7.88±2.37 mm, the mean acromio-humeral distance was 7.89±2.09 mm, and the mean coracoacromial arch angle was 132.38°±6.52° compared to 11.67±1.86 mm, 11.15±1.84 mm, and 116.95°±7.66° in the control group, respectively (P < 0.001, for all). In regression analysis, all three parameters were found to be significant predictors of rotator cuff tears. The mean thickness of the coracoacromial ligament was not significantly different between the patient and control groups (0.95±0.30 mm vs. 1.00±0.33 mm, P > 0.05). Acromio-humeral and coraco-humeral distances are narrower than normal limits in patients with rotator cuff tears. In addition, coracoacromial arch angle may be a predisposing factor for rotator cuff tears.

Results of Arthroscopic Partial Repair of Large Retracted Rotator Cuff Tears

To evaluate the midterm results of partial rotator cuff repair using the Constant score and the acromiohumeral radiographic measurement. Thirty-eight patients with a mean age of 65 years and a large retracted rotator cuff tear (at least 2 tendons) were included in the study. Patients underwent clinical examination, standard radiography, and isometric strength testing at a mean follow-up of 47 months. The rotator cuff tears were classified as posterosuperior, anterosuperior, or global tears (≥3 tendons), and an arthroscopic partial repair was performed. The mean Constant score significantly increased from 56 points before surgery to 71 points after surgery (P=.041); the mean age- and sex-adjusted Constant score significantly improved from 63% to 90% at a mean follow-up of 47 months after arthroscopic partial rotator cuff repair (P= .003); and the subcategories pain and activity significantly improved (P= .001, P= .014, respectively). The active range of motion improved from 133° of flexion and 111° of abduction before surgery to 163° of forward flexion and 156° of abduction after surgery (P < .001). However, the active range of external rotation decreased from 44° before surgery to 36° after surgery. Further, there was a trend toward a decrease in the mean acromiohumeral distance from 7.0 mm before surgery to 5.6 mm after surgery. The abduction strength did not significantly improve after surgery (4.2 kg before surgery and 4.8 kg after surgery; P= .116). An arthroscopic partial repair of the rotator cuff is an effective tool to improve the Constant score by restoring active forward flexion and abduction and through pain relief. Further, we found that a pathologically decreased acromiohumeral distance cannot be reversed by a partial rotator cuff repair. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes After Arthroscopic Repair of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears Using a Suture Bridge Technique

Background: High retear rates of arthroscopic massive rotator cuff repair have been reported with relatively satisfactory functional outcomes. Purpose: To assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of an arthroscopic repair of massive rotator cuff tears using a suture bridge technique. We also aimed to explore the various factors that may affect retears. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Sixty-six patients included in the study were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of retears on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation at a minimum of 1 year after surgery. We evaluated the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain during motions, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and the absolute and relative Constant scores (mean follow-up, 25.4 months). Results: Twenty-eight of the 66 patients (42.4%) in this study had a retear. At the final follow-up visit, pain VAS, UCLA score, and absolute and relative Constant scores in the completely healed group were significantly superior to those in the retear group, with 2, 29.5, 76.0, and 95.2 points and 4, 26.0, 70.6, and 87.3 points, respectively (P < .05). From univariate analysis, the preoperative mean acromiohumeral distance, extent of retraction, and degree of fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus were significantly different between the completely healed (7.83 mm, 2.97 cm, 1.74, and 0.71, respectively) and the retear group (6.36 mm, 3.97 cm, 2.54, and 2.07, respectively; P < .05). From multivariate logistic regression analysis, the preoperative degree of fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus and extent of retraction were the 2 most important factors associated with retears. Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair of massive rotator cuff tears using a suture bridge technique has a relatively high retear rate, and these structural failures appear to have a significant difference in clinical outcomes compared with the healed group. Degree of fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus and extent of retraction are the 2 most important factors associated with a retear. Orthopaedic surgeons should predict the possibility of retear before surgery and counsel patients about their expected functional results.

RETRACTED: Hemiarthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fractures: Early and Late

Hemiarthroplasty has been the preferred surgical procedure for 3and 4-part proximal humeral fractures. Our retrospective study examined function and radiographic outcomes at 2and 5-year follow-up in patients who received a hemiarthroplasty for 3and 4-part proximal humeral fractures. Forty-seven consecutive patients of a single surgeon treated with a shoulder hemiarthroplasty between 2000 and 2006 were examined. Postoperative radiographs were compared with radiographs at 2 and 5 years along with active range of motion and functional outcomes scores. The mean acromiohumeral distance decreased from 10.3 mm postoperatively to 8.5 mm at 2 years and 6.7 mm at 5 years (P < 0.001). More patients had stem osteolysis and tuberosity reabsorption at 2 and 5 years compared with postoperatively (P 0.16 and P < 0.001, respectively). Multiple measures of functional outcome were obtained and all found to be worse at 5 years than at 2 years. Pain scores increased from 2 to 5-year follow-up (P 0.018). Hemiarthropasty has a high rate of long-term complications, including decreased acromiohumeral distance, stem osteolysis, and tuberosity reabsorption. Pain scores and functional outcomes worsened. No improvement in range of motion was observed. Semin Arthro 22:5-9 © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. TE D

Functional and radiographic long-term outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures

Hemiarthroplasty is the preferred surgical procedure for 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures. Our retrospective study examined functional and radiographic outcomes at 2- and 5-year follow-up in patients who received a hemiarthroplasty for 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures. Forty-seven consecutive patients of a single surgeon treated with a cemented shoulder hemiarthroplasty between 2000 and 2006 were followed up. Standard surgical technique was used in all cases. Postoperative radiographs were compared with radiographs at 2 and 5 years along with active range of motion and functional outcomes scores. Twenty-five patients were examined at 2 years and twenty-two at 2 and 5 years. The mean age was 61 years. The mean acromiohumeral distance decreased from 10.3 mm postoperatively to 8.5 mm at 2 years and 6.7 mm at 5 years (P ≤ .001). More patients had stem osteolysis and tuberosity reabsorption at 2 and 5 years compared with postoperatively (P = .016 and P ≤ .001, respectively). The University of California, Los Angeles score decreased from 26.0 to 22.3 (P = .045); the Constant score decreased from 61.1 to 50.1 (P = .01); the Simple Shoulder Test 12 score decreased from 7.7 to 6.2 (P = .018); and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score decreased from 70.4 to 58.8 (P = .015). Pain scores increased from 2- to 5-year follow-up (P = .018). The range-of-motion measures changed little from the 2-to 5-year follow-up. Hemiarthroplasty has a high rate of long-term complications. Increases in acromiohumeral distance, stem osteolysis, and tuberosity reabsorption were observed between 2- and 5-year follow-up. Pain scores and functional outcomes worsened. No improvement in range of motion was observed.

Effect of Posture on Acromiohumeral Distance With Arm Elevation in Subjects With and Without Rotator Cuff Disease Using Ultrasonography

Controlled laboratory study. To examine the effects of altering posture on the subacromial space (SAS) in subjects with rotator cuff disease and subjects without shoulder pain. Poor upper quadrant posture has been linked to altered scapular mechanics, which has been theorized to excessively reduce SAS. However, no study has examined the direct effects of altering upper quadrant posture on SAS. We hypothesized that upright posture would increase and slouched posture would decrease the SAS, as compared to a normal posture, when measured both with the shoulder at rest along the side of the trunk and when maintained in 45° of active shoulder abduction. Participants included 2 groups: the subjects with shoulder pain and rotator cuff disease, as diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging (n = 31), and control subjects without shoulder pain (n = 29). The SAS was imaged with ultrasound using a 7.5-MHz linear transducer placed in the coronal plane over the posterior to midportion of the acromion. The SAS was measured on ultrasound images using the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), defined as the shortest distance between the acromion and the humerus. The AHD was measured in 2 trials at 2 arm angles (at rest along the trunk and at 45° of active abduction) and across 3 postures (normal, slouched, and upright), and averaged for data analysis. Two mixed-model analyses of variance, 1 for each arm angle, were used to compare AHD across postures and between groups. There was no interaction between group and posture, and no significant main effect of group for either arm position. There was no significant main effect of posture for the arm at rest (P = .26); however, there was a significant main effect of posture on AHD at the 45° abduction arm angle (P = .0002), with a significantly greater AHD in upright posture (mean AHD, 9.8 mm), as compared to normal posture (mean AHD, 8.6 mm). The effect of posture on SAS, as measured by the 2-dimensional AHD using ultrasound of the posterior to middle aspect of the SAS, is small. The AHD increased with upright posture by 1.2 mm compared to normal posture, when the arm was in 45° active abduction.

Long-term outcomes after deltoid muscular flap transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears

We reviewed 20 cases (18 patients) with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears that were treated with a deltoid flap transfer. The mean follow-up was 13.9 years. The mean absolute Constant score increased from 49.1 points preoperatively to 71.9 points at the last follow-up (P < .001). Pain scores improved from 5.3 to 13.8 points, regardless of the state of the deltoid flap (P < .001), and the scores for activities of daily living increased from 8.6 to 17 points (P < .001). The mean muscular strength improved from 4.4 points preoperatively to 7.6 points at the last follow-up (P = .009), and 16 patients (80%) had a positive test for supraspinatus strength. Deltoid flaps were completely ruptured in 3 cases in the short term and 10 cases at later follow-up; the mean thickness of nonruptured deltoid flaps was 4.2 mm. The mean acromiohumeral distance decreased from 6.95 mm preoperatively to 3.05 mm postoperatively (P < .00001). Osteoarthritis rates increased from stage 0.6 to stage 2.0 by the classification of Samilson and Prieto (P < .0001). This study shows that the results of a deltoid flap transfer over short- or medium-term follow-up were satisfactory for individuals who wished to return to work or for pain relief, with an improvement in the total function of the shoulder. However, the long-term outcomes were poor; deltoid flaps were ruptured in 10 shoulders (50%), and stage 2 or 3 osteoarthritis occurred in 14 shoulders (70%). Therefore, we do not recommend further use of this procedure in the treatment of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Acromiohumeral distance in a seated position in persons with impingement syndrome.

To compare the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) of both shoulders in subjects with a unilateral shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) and healthy subjects in a seated position during free shoulder movements of large amplitude. Using a 0.5-Tesla SIGNA-SP/i trade mark open-configuration magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the AHD was measured at several arm positions, in a standardized seated position. In flexion (rest to 130 degrees ), the mean AHD of SIS varied from 8.3 to 2.8 mm, as compared to from 8.7 to 4.1 mm for asymptomatic contralateral shoulders. In abduction (rest to 110 degrees ), the AHD varied from 8.1 to 3.4 mm and from 8.8 to 4.6 mm for SIS and asymptomatic shoulders, respectively. The smallest AHD (P <.01) was observed at 110 degrees. From 80 degrees of arm elevation, the AHD was significantly smaller in impingement than in asymptomatic shoulders (P <.05). The AHD of asymptomatic shoulders did not differ from that of healthy subjects. In SIS, the AHD at rest was correlated with its reduction at all shoulder positions (r(p) = 0.62-0.88), but was a poor predictor of the smallest AHD observed at 110 degrees (flexion, R(2) = 0.09; abduction, R(2) = 0.08). In the critical arm elevation positions for impingement, AHD is discriminative for SIS, compared to asymptomatic shoulders and healthy ones. AHD at rest is a good indicator of the magnitude of its reduction in elevation, but not of the smallest AHD in arm elevation.